First Selectman Mike Tetreau is pleased to announce that the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Fairfield as a Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to effective forestry management.
Fairfield achieved Tree City USA recognition for the 28th year by meeting the program’s requirements: a tree department, a tree-care ordinance and an Arbor Day observance. Communities must also receive the endorsement for this honor from Connecticut’s State Forester. Fairfield is one of 17 communities in the state to be designated a Tree City USA.
Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation, stated, “Tree City USA communities see first hand the impact trees have on their community. Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
First Selectman Tetreau said, “Fairfield is very proud to continue to be recognized as a Tree City USA. We are especially pleased that we are only one of two communities in the State that has received this honor longer than any other town or city. This special recognition is a testament to the tremendous efforts of our Tree Warden, Jeff Minder, our Public Works Department, the Fairfield Forestry Committee, the Burr Gardens Advisory Committee and all of our garden clubs.”
More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
About the Arbor Day Foundation:
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member non-profit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at www.arborday.org.
The photo shows First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Tree Warden Jeff Minder in front of a plaque in Independence Hall depicting all the years the Town has received the Tree City USA honor.